The local government distributed 33 fiber-made rescue boats—one for each barangay—to strengthen the city's rescue response during storms and floods. This initiative ensures that every barangay in Valenzuela is better prepared whenever major flooding occurs. Additionally, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (VCDRRMO) acquired two mobile water filtration trucks to provide safe drinking water to affected areas during calamities and disasters.
Each barangay received a rescue boat, equipped with two paddles and two life jackets to ensure safer operations during emergencies. The fiber material was specifically chosen for its durability and resistance to damage, making the boats reliable for high-risk operations such as retrieval, flood monitoring, and evacuee rescue. The local government hopes that the equipment will serve the community for many years to come.
The mobile water filtration trucks can hold up to 1,000 liters of water and are intended to provide potable water to evacuees during typhoons and floods. These trucks will be strategically deployed to evacuation centers and communities experiencing water shortages, ensuring accessible clean water for those affected by natural disasters. Meanwhile, two mobile shower units, one for each district, will be deployed to supply clean water to communities. This initiative serves as the local government's immediate response to the water scarcity issues caused by last year's extreme heatwave, attributed to global warming.
During his speech at the turnover and blessing ceremony, Mayor WES emphasized the importance of being adequately prepared for crises. He stated, “Ipanalangin po natin na sana ay hindi natin magamit ang mga ito (rescue boats). Gayunpaman, kung sakali mang magkaroon pong muli ng matinding bagyo ay handa na rin tayo, kahit papaano. Ito pong 33 fiber glass boats ang pinaka gamit na gamit sa tuwing may rescue operations po ang mga barangay po sa ating lugar.” [Let us pray that we won't have to use these rescue boats. However, if another severe storm hits the city, we are prepared. These 33 fiberglass boats are the most utilized equipment during barangay rescue operations.]
In addition to the turnover of rescue equipment, Physicians for Peace Philippines extended support to the city by allowing students from Valenzuela City Technological College (ValTech) to use their mobile biomedical van for prosthesis production studies. This partnership provides students with hands-on experience in prosthetics manufacturing, addressing the growing need for accessible rehabilitation services within the community. Over the next two years, students will have access to the van, potentially paving the way for Valenzuela City to establish its own prosthetics specialization program.
The event was graced by Physicians for Peace Philippines Chairman Dra. Josephine Bundoc, Dra. Marilyn Liwanag from the Valenzuela City Health Office (CHO), VCDRRMO Head Dr. Arnaldo Antonio, Liga ng mga Barangay President Councilor Mario San Andres, and Punong Barangays.
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